10 Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp & Hair
If you have an itchy scalp and are tired of scratching and feel like the world is ending then do not worry, because it’s very common. And there is a wide range of reasons that can cause your scalp to itch.
The Two Most Common Causes Are:
Dry Scalp: When your scalp is too dry and has not been moisturized then the dry skin starts peeling off causing dandruff which makes you scratch.
Seborrheic dermatitis: It’s a condition where your immune system cannot fight naturally accusing fungi in your hair called Malassezia Globosa which gets your skin inflamed and makes it look red in patches, this results in excessive scratching sensation and also cause dandruff. Some reasons for Seborrheic Dermatitis are stress, hormonal activity, diabetes, head lice, etc.
Some Other Reasons For Itchy Scalp & Hair Could Be As Follows:
- Reaction to a skincare product
- Hives
- Scabies
- Scalp Ringworm
- Scalp psoriasis
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Nerve Problem
- Skin Cancer
Some itchy scalp conditions like Skin Cancer, Nerve problem, etc. require medical attention and should be seen by a doctor for special care as there could be a risk if you try to manage it yourself. But for others, you can try some regular home remedies for Itchy scalp that have proven to be very effective.
Here Are Some Home Remedies For Itchy Scalp -
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple Cider Vinegar is a home remedy for various problems, its health benefits are innumerable. It’s a must-have in your kitchen as it will keep you fit and also help you fight your itch caused by dry skin. Apple Cider Vinegar has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help you a lot if you use it on a regular basis. A simple way of using it is to apply some of it on a patch of itchy skin, if it feels good then apply it on the rest of the area, if it burns then dilute it with warm water and massage it over your scalp. You could also rinse your hair with it after shampoo.
2. Neem:
The medicinal properties of neem is known by all. It’s an herb that we as Indian’s have trusted for generations. Little does one know that it can prove to be equally beneficial for our scalp and the health of the hair. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal nature of neem can help fight the fungus in the head that creates dandruff. Using a Neem Shampoo fights the dandruff-causing germ and prevents dandruff from coming back when used regularly.
3. Pepper Mint Oil:
Peppermint oil can be used to fight dandruff and cure your itching problems. Its calming properties will relieve you of your itch and reduce inflammation, it will also nourish your scalp and moisturize it and its properties can fight head lice. You can stir a few drops of peppermint oil in cool water and massage apply it over your scalp, let it sit for a while, and then shampoo it.
4. Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice is one of the most popular scalp itching home remedies it has antibacterial properties that prevent the yeast, Malassezia from causing dandruff, also its acidic properties help soften the already existing flakes and also calms down the inflammation on the scalp.
5. Baking Soda:
Your cooking companion can do more than just fluff your bread. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help you calm the inflammation and fight itch. It also balances your scalp’s ph level. The best part is that it’s easy to make and easy to apply. You can mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with water and then gently apply it on your scalp, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse it off.
6. Colloidal Oatmeal:
Colloidal oatmeal is a popular itchy scalp solution. It is a finely ground oatmeal that’s dissolved in water. This solution when applied on your scalp creates a layer over your skin that locks the moisture and prevents dandruff caused by dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce the itch and calm your scalp. You can easily make it at home, all you have to do is wrap some oatmeal in a muslin cloth, hold it over pouring water, collect the water in a jug and rinse your scalp with it. For best results try it regularly.
7. Use Right Anti Dandruff Shampoo:
You can use an effective shampoo for dandruff which not only removes your dandruff but fights the cause of it. One important ingredient that an anti-dandruff shampoo must have is Zinc Pyrithione. Zinc Pyrithione is a compound that fights the naturally occurring yeast in our scalp. Most of the regular anti-dandruff shampoos either remove dandruff or calm it, but Zinc Pyrithione with its antifungal properties fights the yeast and prevent it from reacting with the skin creating oleic acid which consequently leads to skin inflammation and dandruff, this, in turn, becomes a huge cause for itching scalp. With Zinc Pyrithione, you can fight the itch scalp problem at its root. The most renowned product that has Zinc Pyrithione is Head and Shoulders. With Head and Shoulders, you can clean your scalp in one wash and treat dandruff and itchy scalp issues. Must use an anti-dandruff shampoo at least twice or thrice a week to get rid of dandruff effectively.
8. Orange Peel:
Orange peel is said to be a very effective remedy against dandruff and itchy scalp. It is rich in nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin A. For it to work properly, you need to prepare the mix perfectly. All you need to do is take some orange peel and mix it with some lemon juice, grind it till it’s watery. And then apply it over your scalp. Let it dry for 30 minutes and then wash it off with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
9. Green Tea:
All of us know that green tea is great for our health, but did we know it can do wonders for our scalp too. Green tea is an antioxidant that has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is antifungal in nature. It also has a calm cooling effect. All one needs to do is to apply the cool green tea on the scalp and wash it off after 10 mins. You can also rinse your hair with green tea water.
10. Hair Mask:
If your scalp itches and you’ve dandruff because of the dry scalp then the best way to get is to use a hair mask that will provide your hair with the right nutrition and sufficient moisture. So, of the popular hair mask are egg yolk, banana mask, etc. All you need to do is make a mix and apply it over your scalp, let it sit for some time, and then rinse it off with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Itchy scalp is a common issue but if left ignored can head to redness of scalp and even cause hair fall, it’s always better to cure it before the problem increases. Try Head and Shoulders for yourself and even after that the itchiness persists book an appointment with a dermatologist.
